[Saba Sports News] British media reports that riots erupted across France after the national side lost to Spain in the World Cup semi-final. Police were targeted with fireworks and debris, with at least 160 people arrested in total. The worst disorder unfolded in Paris and Lyon immediately after the final whistle. French police told reporters that as of 6 a.m. local time, at least 141 people had been detained in Paris over post-match violence, most of them for firing mortar-style fireworks at law enforcement and emergency responders. Lyon also saw widespread unrest. Hundreds of fans had gathered at the fan zone on Place Bellecour to watch the fixture. The crowd turned volatile after the game, forcing police to deploy tear gas to disperse them, and metro stations were shut down amid the chaos. Reports state rioters hurled rubbish at officers and set waste bins alight in Lyon, leading to 20 arrests. No injuries or major property damage were recorded in either Paris or Lyon.
The editor believes that France has witnessed violent unrest following major football competitions before. Back in May this year, after Paris Saint-Germain beat Arsenal in the Champions League final, large groups of fans rioted on the streets of Paris, leading to more than 400 arrests.